URGENT UPDATE: A pivotal vote is set for tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Howell Township that could transform the area with a proposed $1 billion AI data center. The Howell Township Board of Trustees will decide on whether to rezone farmland near Marr and Fleming roads for industrial use, a decision that has stirred significant community concern.
Residents are voicing strong opposition to the project, citing worries about increased noise, pollution, and strain on local utilities. Richie Kamenski, a longtime resident, expressed frustration: “I moved out here for peace. Now I’m facing a data center,” he said. Many community members have attended public meetings over the past few months, sharing their apprehensions about the potential impact on their quality of life.
The developer, representing an unnamed Fortune 100 company, promises to mitigate these concerns. Mike Vogt, the attorney for the developer, assures that the project is designed to minimize disruptions. Notably, a closed-loop water system will be implemented to avoid overburdening local resources. Additionally, a property value protection plan is in place, allowing homeowners within 1,000 feet to sell their homes at appraised value plus one percent.
However, these assurances have not quelled the fears of many residents. Aaron Currie, another local, stated, “As answers started to develop, it just didn’t look like a good fit for the Howell community.”
Community members are anxiously awaiting the trustees’ decision, which could set a precedent for future developments in the area. The board’s meeting is expected to draw a large crowd, reflecting the community’s deep investment in this issue.
As the vote draws near, the tension in Howell Township mounts. Will the board push forward with the rezoning? Residents and stakeholders are watching closely, aware that tonight’s decision could reshape their community for years to come.
